Editions of "Sefer Yetzirah" available
For many years I've searched for Hebrew versions of "Sefer Yetzirah" (also as "Sefer Yesirah") other than the popular ones used by Aryeh Kaplan and others.
Like most people, I've used Kaplan (and Suarez) versions and relied on their Hebrew script. But, since there are so many variations of this manuscript, it's been difficult to compare their version with any others.
In the 1970s while working at the university library, I came across a yellowing, brittle, Hebrew edition of "Sefer Yetzirah," printed in the late 1880s (1884 Warsaw edition or 1860 Lvov edition, with the major commentaries and two separate versions of the text. All of it was in Hebrew.
This Hebrew edition is the Sefer Yetzirah HaShalem [new edition] - (Book of Formation).
I used this text as my main reference over the decades. Since this Polish edition had been the authoritative text of its time, I preferred its Hebrew version.There are differences in words, order and correspondences between Kaplan and this edition.
Until recently, I haven't come across that edition. It is now republished, with the original content and diagrams. View samples pages from Sefer Yetzirah HaShalem.
This edition is published by Harav Moshe Tzuriel. The book has 496 pages and hard binding. I bought a copy last year and have used it entirely in my studies. It contains commentaries from Ramak, Ramban, R. Yitzchak Sagi Nahor and R. D'man Akko.
The book contains "Sefer Chomeonei" Shabbati Donnolo's text, a Commentary on Sefer Yetzirah" by Hafari Itzach; "Ma'aseh Berashit", chapters on the 231 gates and more.
When I discovered 30 years later that I could own a brand new reprint I was ecstatic! It completed my "Sefer Yetzirah" collection. Or so I thought until I came across more Hebrew editions. All of these, and other books, are at great prices and even discounted.
Other great Hebrew editions of "Sefer Yetzirah (Yesirah)" from Nehora:
The first book of Kabbalah ever written. With the most famous commentators. This edition is by Avraham Avinu (Abraham The Patriarch), publisher: Hotzaat Yeshivat HaChayim Ve'Hashalom. It has 215 pages and is also hard binding. More info and sample pages...
Sefer Yetzirah (Book of Formation) with commentaries by Rabbi Moshe Cordovero (Ramak) (1522-1570) . [121 pages] Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman (Ramban) (1194-1270). [5 pages], Rabbi Yitzchak Sagi Nahor (12th Century). [18 pages], Rabbi Yitzchak D'man Akko. [23 pages]. More info and sample pages...
The book of creation in theory and in practice. The oldest of all Kabbalistic texts. Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan. Publisher: Samuel Wiser. Language: English. Pages: 398; Binding: Soft. The book of creation in theory and in practice. The oldest of all Kabbalistic texts. Rabbi Kaplan's translation and commentary on this book includes the complete Hebrew text of all versions of this book, a clear commentary with generous commentary and explanation, and in depth discussions of many areas of Kabbalah with clear and lucid explanations and diagrams. More info and sample pages...
A fine new edition of Sefer Yetzirah. This is the edition that is reprinted from the Warsaw edition. By: Harav Moshe Tzuriel | Publisher: Harav Moshe Tzuriel | Language: Hebrew | Volumes: 1 | Pages: 496 | Binding: Hard. More info and sample pages...
Commentary on Sefer Yetzirah. Thismanuscript was written by Rabbi Abulafia in the island of Komino near Malta in 1289. 136 pages, hard binding.
Otzar Eden Ganuz - Rabbi Avraham Abulafia
A lengthy commentary on Sefer Yetzirah, and autobiographical material, by Rabbi Avraham Abulafia (currently unavailable)
Quotes from commentaries of famous rabbis, found in works by Kaplan, Scholem and others, were previous impossible to see in the original Hebrew. Now, they are available to the public.
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Rare Qabalah Books
Includes Several versions of Sefer Yetzirah in Hebrew; Raziel HaMalach and others!
A new collection of Kabbalah books from Abulafia, Luria, Luzzatto and more; several types of Sefer Yetzirah in original Hebrew with the original commentaries; and other great books, software and Judaic gifts. Visit Nehora.com - Jewish Books.
Sefer Yetzirah- (Book of Formation) Find several hard back editions. The first book of Kabbalah ever written. With the most famous commentators in Hebrew.
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"Sefer Yetzirah"
"The Book of Formation" or "The Book of Creation"
By Aryeh Kaplan
The authoritative English text on the study of the "Sefer Yetzirah" or Book of Formantion (Book of Creation). Kaplan's explanations are easy to understand and make sense. A must have manual for anyone ready to decifer this ancient manuscript.
• Paperback: 398 pages
• Publisher: Weiser Books; Rev Sub edition (May 1997)
• Language: English
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Fred Reiss announced today the publication of his newest book, Ancient Secrets of Creation: Sepher Yetzira, the Book That Started Kabbalah, Revealed.
Sepher Yetzira is a second or third century Hebrew volume that is considered to be the seminal work of Kabbalah. It is a mystical interpretation of the Old Testament's creation story. Ancient Secrets of Creation reveals Sepher Yetzira's secrets in two parts. The first provides the reader with the background information needed to understand the theories and beliefs that directly influenced the unknown author of Sepher Yetzira. These include the mathematics of Pythagoras and the philosophy of Plato, among others. Reiss also informs the reader about the teachings of Philo of Alexandria, who brought together Greek ideas with Jewish theology; as well as a summary of the cosmology, division of the soul, and nature of mankind found in Sepher Yetzira, and how those ideas differ from mainstream Judaism.
Reiss said that "mystics and students of mysticism cannot truly grasp the depth of Kabbalah without a firm understanding of Sepher Yetzira." In the second part, Reiss presents a new translation of Sepher Yetzira. He carefully puts into plain words and detailed accounts how God and a demiurge created the world with the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet and ten emanations. But, according to Reiss, Sepher Yetzira is more than God's use of speech to create. His explanations also reveal God’s three laws of nature, and tell how everyone can emulate those laws in their daily lives. The epilogue ties together the metaphors used in Sepher Yetzira with twentieth and twenty-first century scientific discoveries, showing the continuing vitality of this ancient text.
Fred Reiss, who has more than fifty combined years of experience in public and Hebrew school teaching and administration, is also the author of the Standard Guide to the Jewish and Civil Calendars, and Public Education in Camden, NJ: From Inception to Integration. Information on these books is available on the author's website, www.fredreissbooks.com.
Ancient Secrets of Creation: Sepher Yetzira, The Book That Started Kabbalah, Revealed, ISBN 978-0-595-44955-2, June, 2007, p. 112, $12.95, is published by iUniverse. Ancient Secrets of Creation is available through iuniverse.com, as well as through amazon.com, borders.com, and barnesandnoble.com.
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